Health Topics for Digestive System

James A. Clifton Center for Digestive Diseases

Cancers of the Digestive System

Liver Failure Clinic

Liver Service

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a broad term for infections or poisonings of the digestive system that are usually caused by an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This includes food poisoning and "traveler's diarrhea." Attacks can range from mild to very severe. Viruses, bacteria, or parasites may cause gastroenteritis. They are often in food or water that is contaminated. Gastroenteritis occurs in people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. It is the leading cause of death in developing countries. In the United States, it is most likely to occur in childcare centers and nursing homes. Children and the elderly are at the highest risk for severe problems.

The start of the symptoms may be sudden and dramatic. The symptoms of gastroenteritis are watery diarrhea, nausea or vomiting or both, abdominal cramps, headache, and sometimes a low grade fever. When there is a more severe infection, there may be blood with the bowel movements.

There is no effective treatment for gastroenteritis. Prevention is very important. The bowel does not need to be rested when a person has diarrhea. Resting the bowel can make the diarrhea worse, and cause severe dehydration. To avoid dehydration, fluids and electrolytes (the salts, potassium and sodium) that are lost through diarrhea must be replaced. Drinking fluids may make the stools larger at first, but will help to prevent dehydration. For mild diarrhea, sports drinks, diluted fruit juices, soft drinks, and soups or broth will usually be enough to replace the lost fluids and electrolytes. If there is nausea and vomiting, begin taking small amounts or sips of clear liquids, every 10 minutes. Take fluids such ginger ale, non-caffeinated sodas, broth, apple juice, or an over-the-counter oral rehydration solution. Increase the amount to 4 to 8 ounces (.1 to .2 liters) of clear fluids every hour while awake.

It is okay to continue eating when having diarrhea. Foods high in simple sugars and high in fat should be avoided. Eat easily digested food such as rice, baked potatoes, bananas, toast, cooked cereal, applesauce, chicken, or turkey without the skin or fat. Avoid dairy products, fatty foods, and highly seasoned foods for a few days. Do not drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Do not take aspirin or other over-the-counter non-steroidal anti- inflammatory medications until speaking with your healthcare provider. Over-the-counter medications for diarrhea should be avoided unless recommended by your healthcare provider.

See a healthcare provider for any of the following:

• signs of dehydration
• unable to keep liquids down for 24 hours
• vomiting lasts for more than 2 or 3 days
• bloody stools (either bright red or black tarry stools)
• diarrhea lasting more than 3 days or
• diarrhea with severe abdominal pain, vomiting or fever over 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.6 degrees Centigrade)

It is not always possible to avoid getting gastroenteritis. However, there are some things that can be done to try to avoid it and to avoid giving it to others. The most important is to wash the hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after the using the bathroom. Correct food handling is important as well. Refrigerate foods that can spoil. Cook meat thoroughly and wash cutting boards with hot water and soap. Do not place cooked meat on surfaces or plates that held raw meat. Raw poultry, such as chicken, is especially likely to carry bacteria. After cooking, clean up the kitchen with paper towels instead of sponges and use some bleach. Avoid uncooked meat and fish. Avoid close contact with anyone until well.

Food or water that may be contaminated should be avoided. This is especially true when traveling out of the country. When traveling out of the United States and Canada, use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth and avoid ice cubes and uncooked freshly washed vegetables.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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